Athletics Federation Respond To Mykhailo Mudryk Career Change Rumours

The Ukrainian Athletics Federation has commented on reports that claim Mykhailo Mudryk is training with the national sprint team ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Mudryk is currently suspended and unable to play for Chelsea or Ukraine after being charged with a doping offence by the FA.

The 24-year-old, who has not featured for Chelsea since their Europa Conference League clash against Heidenheim in 2024, remains one of the club's most expensive signings after joining from Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal worth up to £88 million.

With the FA's investigation ongoing after he tested positive for the prohibited substance meldonium, Mudryk's future in football is uncertain.

In fact, a report from Spanish publication Marca recently claimed he's decided to 'swap the ball for spikes' as he aims to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a sprinter for the Ukrainian national team.

Mudryk is said to be training with the national sprint team and former Olympians to improve on the track, according to the report.

"The road to the Olympics won't be easy," they add. "Mudryk will need to meet World Athletics' minimum requirements and pass the Ukrainian trials in 2027."

Now, the press secretary of the Ukrainian Athletics Federation has reportedly commented on the situation.

Speaking to Ukraine-based website Dynamo.Kiev.Ua, Olha Nikolaiyenko was asked whether Mudryk has approached the Ukrainian Athletics Federation (UAF) with a request to join its ranks.

She replied: "No request has been received."

Nikolaiyenko was also asked if the involvement of Mudryk in the Ukrainian athletics team was realistic. "As long as the investigation into Mykhailo Mudryk’s doping case is ongoing, this is not and cannot even be a subject of discussion," she said, as per the report.

Mudryk pictured in October 2024 during a game between Chelsea and Newcastle. Image credit: Getty

Online publication Tribuna also claim to have spoken to Olga Saladukha, the President of the Ukrainian Athletics Federation, about the Mudryk rumours.

"Mykhailo Mudryk is not training with the national track and field team for any competitions," she said. "And we have not had any discussions regarding his transition to track and field."

Mudryk recorded a top speed of 36.63 km/h on his Chelsea debut in January 2023, which was one of the fastest in a Premier League game that season, but whether he could compete with Olympic-standard athletes is another matter.